124

124
Chapter 124

Federico sat on the edge of the bed, Azalea’s pale but breathing form cradled gently against him. His arm stayed wrapped around her waist, as if by holding her close, he could keep the world’s chaos from touching her again. The poison had nearly stolen her from him—if he had been a minute too late calling the doctor, he didn’t want to think of what might have happened.

He pressed a kiss to her damp temple, his jaw tense with suppressed rage.

There was a sharp knock at the door.

“Come in,” Federico said immediately, his voice harsh from exhaustion.

The door opened slowly, and Vicky stepped inside, her expression grim. She clutched a phone in her hand and walked to the bed with careful steps.

“Your Majesty,” she said softly. “You need to see this.”

Federico gently shifted Azalea so she rested against the pillows. “What is it?”

Vicky handed him the phone. “One of the guards retrieved this from the royal surveillance archive. I thought you should see it before anyone else.”

Federico frowned and pressed play.

The video was grainy but clear enough. Leandro was in the frame, pacing a candle-lit room. His mother sat across from him, her expression tight with worry.

“It has to be done,” Leandro said in the recording. “If Azalea lives, everything we’ve worked for will be in vain. She’s pregnant with that man’s child—do you understand what that means? We will lose all claim to the throne.”

“Leandro,” his mother’s voice trembled, “this is dangerous. If we are caught—”

“We won’t be,” he cut her off. “Thomas will handle the servant delivering the poison. No one will suspect us. By the time anyone finds out, it will be too late. Federico will be king with a dead queen and no heir. We will have our chance to seize power then.”

The video ended with his mother leaning forward and whispering, “Then may the goddess forgive us.”

Federico’s fingers tightened around the phone until his knuckles turned white. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he replayed the words in his head.

“They dared,” he whispered, his voice low and deadly. “They dared to touch what was mine.”

He shot to his feet, his fury barely contained.

“Vicky, send for my guards. Now.”

Vicky hurried out, and within moments, armed men filled the room, their armor glinting under the candlelight.

“Go to the queen mothers’ chamber,” Federico commanded, his tone like steel. “Bring me Leandro, Thomas, and their mothers alive. I want them in the dungeons before sunrise.”

The guards bowed and left swiftly. Federico’s chest rose and fell with his rapid breathing. He turned back to Azalea, who was watching him quietly.

Minutes later, the guards returned—without prisoners.

“No one was there, Your Majesty,” the captain said, bowing his head. “Their chambers are empty. It appears they have fled.”

Federico cursed under his breath and ran a hand through his hair. “Damn it!” He paced across the room, fury radiating from every step. “Seal the palace gates. Send out a search party. They cannot have gotten far.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the captain said before hurrying out.

Azalea, who had been quiet until now, spoke softly. “Federico.”

He stopped pacing and looked at her.

“There’s enough evidence now,” she said, her voice steady despite her pale face. “You have what you need to condemn them.”

“I will condemn them,” Federico growled. “But first, I will drag them back here myself if I must.”

Azalea’s lips curved into a cold, almost dangerous smile. “I know where they’ll go.”

Federico blinked. “What do you mean?”

She sat up straighter despite his attempt to make her rest. “The only place that can save the mothers and their children,” she said. “The Home for Women.”

Federico frowned. “That refuge? They’ll give them shelter?”

“Yes,” Azalea said. “But too bad for them—I already bought their loyalty months ago. Every leader, every matron owes me their allegiance. They will not hide traitors from me. In fact, they will soon turn Leandro, Thomas, and their mothers over for execution themselves.”

Federico stared at her for a long moment, admiration and pride mingling with his fury.

“You think ahead of everyone,” he said softly.

Azalea gave him a faint smirk. “I had to. When you’re queen, you learn to see threats before they come for you.”

He crossed back to her and sat down, taking her hand. “Rest, Azalea. You’ve done more than enough. I’ll make sure justice is delivered.”

“Justice,” she repeated, her eyes narrowing. “No mercy, Federico. They tried to kill me. They tried to kill our child. Make sure they pay.”

“I swear to you, they will.”

\---

The next day was chaotic. Federico sent his best trackers into the forests and border towns. The Home for Women was placed under heavy surveillance, its gates guarded.

By midday, word came back from the search party: fresh tracks had been found leading toward the very refuge Azalea had predicted.

Federico wasted no time. He assembled a contingent of warriors and prepared to ride out himself. Miles tried to dissuade him.

“Your Majesty, it is dangerous for you to go personally. Allow me to lead the capture.”

Federico shook his head. “No. This is not just another royal order. This is personal. They tried to take Azalea from me. I will be there when they are dragged back in chains.”

Back in the royal bedchamber, Azalea lay resting, her hand protectively over her stomach. She felt a strange calm settle over her—justice was moving forward, and soon this nightmare would end.

Vicky sat by her bedside. “Do you think they’ll really be turned over, Your Majesty?”

Azalea’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “They will. I paid in gold and in promises. The matrons there would sooner face a storm of fire than betray me. By the time Federico arrives, Leandro and Thomas will already be bound and waiting.”

And just as she said, before sunset, a message arrived at the palace gates: the Home for Women had detained four fugitives—Leandro, Thomas, and their mothers—awaiting the king’s orders.

When Federico received the message, he mounted his horse with a grim look of satisfaction.

“Good,” he said. “Prepare the royal square. Tomorrow, the kingdom will witness what happens to traitors.”

Miles bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Federico turned his horse and spurred it forward, leading the column of soldiers toward the refuge, ready to bring his enemies back where they belonged—facing justice.

Back in the palace, Azalea let out a long breath, relief finally washing over her. She rested a hand over her belly and whispered softly, “It’s over. You’re safe now.”

But even as she said the words, she knew the final act was yet to come. Tomorrow, the entire kingdom would watch as justice was delivered—and there would be no turning back.